With the economy recovering, 2011 looks to be a much better year. Especially for the auto industry. Sales are starting to pick up, and you'll notice a certain panache in the new vehicles heading our way.
There are several that have caught my eye already, so I figured I'd give you a sneak peak at my top 10 faves. From entry-level to electrifying, there's a lot to look out for in 2011!
For 2011 VW's lifeblood gets a major overhaul. The all-new Jetta will come to the U.S. with four different engine options, including a 2.0-liter TDI clean diesel engine, which delivers 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Gasoline engines include the 2.0-liter (115 horsepower), 2.5 (170 horsepower) and the 2.0-liter TSI (200 horsepower). In addition to a new look, this compact car gets a little bigger for 2011, adding 3.5 inches in overall length, which translates into best-in-class rear legroom. I like VW for it's affordable German engineering, and this new Jetta comes through with a base price of around $16K.This novel new vehicle from Nissan is the first mass-produced 100-percent electric, zero-emission vehicle. While it won't be making an appearance in Chicago any time soon, it is worth noting because of it's forward-thinking technology and affordable price tag. The LEAF will be able to drive up to 100 miles on a single charge, but unlike the Volt, it won't have any built-in boost to add miles. It's 100 and done. Another interesting aside: It will be produced in the U.S. at a plant in Smyrna, Tenn. The LEAF will start with limited sales in February of 2011, with plans to mass market the car in 2012. Hopefully that includes Chicago. But I'm doubtful since the Altima Hybrid still isn't available here. Yep, Nissan makes a hybrid. Targeted base price will be $32,789, or $25,280 including a $7,500 tax credit.<br><a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/drive-she-said/2010/04/nissan-announces-pricing-for-leaf-electric-car.html">MORE PHOTOS</a>Of all the vehicles listed, I have to give a special shout out to the Jeep Grand Cherokee. I think this is going to be one of the single most important vehicles for 2011 simply because it signals an amazing turnaround for Chrysler Group. After driving this car at the media launch in June, I was incredibly impressed. Ride is amazing. Capability is comparable to Land Rover. Luxury is evident at even the most basic model. Fit and finish is spot on. And seat comfort is great for tall and short drivers alike. Base price is $30,995 for the base 2WD Laredo and the Grand Cherokee tops out at $42,995 with the top-tier 4WD Overland. <br><a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/drive-she-said/2010/06/jeep-launches-2011-grand-cherokee.html">MORE PHOTOS</a>I. Love. This. Car. What Hyundai can do for a base price of $19,195 is absolutely amazing. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: If you haven't looked at Hyundai recently it's time to start. From lumbar support to ride and handling, Hyundai got this vehicle all right. Including the 35 mpg on the highway, which is amazing for a mid-size, gasoline-powered vehicle. <br><a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/drive-she-said/2010/05/first-look-2011-hyundai-sonata.html">MORE PHOTOS</a>I put this on the list without having driven it or seen it since the Chicago Auto Show in February, simply because I love what Hyundai did with the Genesis. So, if that's a harbinger of things to come, I say watch out Lexus, BMW and Audi. Equipped with a 4.6-liter V-8 engine, this luxury cruiser has the LS 460, 7-Series and A8 clear in a its sights. With a price tag that's estimated to be around $40K (around $30K less than its luxury competitors), it just might win.
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For this half-pint vehicle, size absolutely matters. Especially if you live in a city like Chicago. For it's newest entry-level micro car, Ford has come up with a heck of a solution that offers premium amenities like Sync, push-button start, Sirius Satellite Radio and heated leather seats. It's a revolutionary concept: Just because you're small, doesn't mean you have to be cheap. It comes equipped with a 1.6-liter, I-4 engine and delivers an estimated 40 mpg on the highway. Base price for the sedan is $13,995, the hatch bases at $15,795 and the top-tier SES hatch rings in at $17,795. When I tricked out the most expensive Fiesta with every premium amenity I could want (no nav option), it topped out at $21,630.This electrifying entry from Chevy is much, much, much anticipated ... and perhaps a tad overthought. But, because the automaker has had this car in the works for several years (unlike the Nissan LEAF), there's less chance that any major bugs will develop. I hope. While the production model loses much of the kitsch of the original concept car, it retains a cool iPod-like interior and sexy LED exterior lighting. The really neat thing here is that the car can go up to around 40 miles on a single charge--more than enough for most of our daily commutes in Chicago--and adds an additional 300 miles aided by gasoline. This is not a hybrid, simply an electric vehicle that uses gasoline to create electricity. This will be available at the end of 2010 with a price tag TBD, but I wouldn't be surprised if it hovers around $30K after tax incentives.This new compact-entry for Chevy replaces the out-going Cobalt with a sleek updated look and an oxymoronic up-level Eco model that will get 40 mpg on the highway. Base price for the LS Cruze will be $16,995, with the LT and Eco models following at $18,895 and the top-tier LTZ landing at $22,695. The Bow Tie estimates that a fully decked out (think leather and nav) will hover around $25K. Cruze targets the Civic and might just win if the fit and finish and available premium amenities live up to the hype.<br><a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/drive-she-said/2010/07/photo-gallery-of-chevrolet-cruze.html">MORE PHOTOS</a>With the exit of the sublimely hot XLR, Cadillac needed a little something, something to spice up their lineup. This could very well be it. The CTS Coupe targets the likes of the BMW 335i Coupe and the Audi A5 with its edgy lines and 3.6-liter, 304 horsepower V-6 engine. Also be on the lookout for the performance-oriented CTS-V Coupe that will have a 5.6-liter V-8 and deliver 556 horsepower. Weeeeeee! Base price for the CTS Coupe is $38,990, and the CTS-V Coupe will start at $62,990. Ouch.With this all-new small entry from Buick, the automaker is targeting a slightly younger (aka mid-30s) demographic. Quite different than your father's--or grandfather's--LeSabre or Park Avenue. Regal brings some vibe to the brand with ice blue interior lighting and a suave center stack. They're also bringing sporty back with an optional 2.0-liter, 220 horsepower turbocharged engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Base price for the Regal will be $26,245.<br><a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/drive-she-said/2010/03/2011-buick-regal-to-make-debut-soon.html">MORE PHOTOS</a>
The new Kia Optima is going to be pushing its way into this list before long. Its just too bad that it gets the flappy paddle shifters instead of a real manual option.
HA! You removed my comments criticizing your previous typos and then fixed them. In the process, you changed the "Cadillac CTA" to the "Cadilla CTS!" Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy....
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The new Kia Optima is going to be pushing its way into this list before long. Its just too bad that it gets the flappy paddle shifters instead of a real manual option.
the kia optima did cross my mind, and i think you're right ... it'll probably end up on this list before long.
No mention of the 2011 Mustang?
Or is the newly-repowered Pony "old news"? (Oxymoron, anyone?)
HA! You removed my comments criticizing your previous typos and then fixed them. In the process, you changed the "Cadillac CTA" to the "Cadilla CTS!" Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy....
I'm now aware of these cars as I should be.
What's a "Cadilla"?
Hmmmm.... you write "Nissan Leaf This novel new vehicle from Nissan is the first mass-produced 100-percent electric, zero-emission vehicle."
Zero Emission? Uh-uh. Where will the Leaf get its battery recharged? Oh yes, from an electrical source of some type that does emit pollutants.
So, while its concept is great and its execution may be really good, let's stop repeating the "zero emissions" b.s. that Nissan is putting out.